Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has hailed the Syrian ambassador-designate's posting to Lebanon as an important political step.

In this connection the Minister today (27 May) commented in Berlin as follows:

“For the first time in the two countries' history, Lebanon and Syria have exchanged ambassadors. ”This is a milestone on the road to a normalization of the two countries' relations, as agreed by their Presidents in August 2008.

Confirming as it does Syria's recognition of Lebanon's sovereignty and political independence, this act is an important contribution to stabilizing Lebanon and defusing tensions in the region. Together with our partners in the EU, the German Government has strongly urged the need for this step.

I hope Lebanon and Syria will, as agreed, continue to cooperate successfully, particularly in demarcating and ensuring security along their common border.“